Here is a quick reference to a few important back yard species that have already begun moving through or arriving for the winter:

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Peak occurred around mid-August. Birds remaining after November 15 are considered to be overwintering. Recommended food - hummingbird nectar.
• Baltimore Oriole - Migratory peak is presently occurring. Second wave of overwintering birds occurs around 12/1. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits, jelly, nectar, grapes, shelled peanuts, mealworms, SuperSuet.
• Yellow-throated Warbler  - Migration began in early August. Gradual onset of overwintering birds continues through fall. Recommended food - Bark Butter Bits, Bark Butter, sunflower chips, SuperSuet.
• Painted Bunting - Small trickle of migration occurred in late August. Second wave begins in early October. Overwintering rate varies from year to year but seems to be increasing. Recommended food - white proso millet.
• Gray Catbird - Migration beginning currently. Overwintering follows migratory peak. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits.
• Pine Warbler - Migration begins early October. Overwintering follows migratory peak. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits, SuperSuet.
• Indigo Bunting - Migration peaks in the second half of October. Overwintering is not likely. Recommended food - white proso millet, oil sunflower, safflower.
• Chipping Sparrow - Migration begins around the third week of October. Numbers increase throughout winter. Recommended food - white proso millet.
• American Goldfinch - Migration begins around the first week of November. Numbers are unpredictable until migration begins further north and finch forecast is available. Recommended food - sunflower chips, oil sunflower, nyjer.
• Rufous Hummingbird - Migration has begun although no birds are usually reported in Alachua County until around mid-November. November 15 is considered the beginning of overwintering phase for hummingbirds. Recommended food - hummingbird nectar.